Thursday, June 29, 2006
Blog
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More Adventures of the 3 Year Old Fireman
Bryce and I were on our way home from the store this morning. There is a empty field around the corner from our house. As we turned on to the road that the field is on, Bryce saw two firetrucks at the field. He asked if we could stop and I said no. As we passed though, the firemen start waving us down.
I pulled into the field and one of the firemen came over and asked if we had a few minutes. They told us that they were waiting on a med-flight helicopter to come and wanted Bryce to see it. I said sure and moved the car so that it did not get hit by flying rocks.
They were actually there for a daycare, so he visited with his buddies for a few minutes and then we went and stood out of the way (I worked at this daycare for a few months, so I knew a lot of the people out there).
So we stuck around for a while and watched. The helicopter finally came and landed and Bryce was so excited! I told Bryce he had to wait until the daycare was done looking before we could go look. One of the firemen came and got him though and took him over to it. At this point I am kicking myself because I did not have my camera. I should have learned by now that I need to keep a camera with me at all times because I never know when we are going to run into them. I used the camera on my phone (but I have to figure out how to upload them).
Bryce spent quite a bit of time on the helicopters and with the firemen. He asked if he could go for a ride in it and they acted like they wanted to take him, but we had to go and the daycare was still looking. We left and went home to get some stuff we needed to take to Daddy. On the way to Daddy's office, we stopped back by with the camera and got some pictures with it.
What an exciting morning. I cannot believe how spoiled they have him, and they spoil him more and more every time he sees them. I told them that after the birthday party we went grocery shopping and Bryce HAD to buy dog treats for Sparky. They thought that was GREAT. They said they would make sure that Sparky ate them all and they would try to get pics of Sparky eating them. POOR SPARKY!! Let's see if Bryce is spoiled so bad that "Sparky" eats dog treats!??
I pulled into the field and one of the firemen came over and asked if we had a few minutes. They told us that they were waiting on a med-flight helicopter to come and wanted Bryce to see it. I said sure and moved the car so that it did not get hit by flying rocks.
They were actually there for a daycare, so he visited with his buddies for a few minutes and then we went and stood out of the way (I worked at this daycare for a few months, so I knew a lot of the people out there).
So we stuck around for a while and watched. The helicopter finally came and landed and Bryce was so excited! I told Bryce he had to wait until the daycare was done looking before we could go look. One of the firemen came and got him though and took him over to it. At this point I am kicking myself because I did not have my camera. I should have learned by now that I need to keep a camera with me at all times because I never know when we are going to run into them. I used the camera on my phone (but I have to figure out how to upload them).
Bryce spent quite a bit of time on the helicopters and with the firemen. He asked if he could go for a ride in it and they acted like they wanted to take him, but we had to go and the daycare was still looking. We left and went home to get some stuff we needed to take to Daddy. On the way to Daddy's office, we stopped back by with the camera and got some pictures with it.
What an exciting morning. I cannot believe how spoiled they have him, and they spoil him more and more every time he sees them. I told them that after the birthday party we went grocery shopping and Bryce HAD to buy dog treats for Sparky. They thought that was GREAT. They said they would make sure that Sparky ate them all and they would try to get pics of Sparky eating them. POOR SPARKY!! Let's see if Bryce is spoiled so bad that "Sparky" eats dog treats!??
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Or Maybe Not
I was telling Paul about the something strange with Bryce. I was telling him I did not know where he was getting this stuff from and he pointed out that he has a princess with his castle.
He is playing with the castle right now and now I am not sure what to think. I was thinking it was a compliment when he called me a princess, but I realized that every time he plays with the castle, he keeps the princess in jail!
Here I was thinking my son was complimenting me. Was he or does he feel like I need to be in jail???
Oh, if only I could read his little head!!
He is playing with the castle right now and now I am not sure what to think. I was thinking it was a compliment when he called me a princess, but I realized that every time he plays with the castle, he keeps the princess in jail!
Here I was thinking my son was complimenting me. Was he or does he feel like I need to be in jail???
Oh, if only I could read his little head!!
Good Quote
One of the lessons of history is that nothing is often a good thing to do and always a clever thing to say.
- Will Durant
- Will Durant
GOODBYE!
I am so teary eyed right now! Since I became a SAHM I have always woke up in the morning to Good Morning America. For almost 5 years now (wow - I have been home for a long time!!), I have woke up every morning to Charles, Diane and Robin. Today is Charles last day after 19 years on the show, as he is taking over the Evening News (Peter Jennings spot) full time.
I know that he will still be on everyday, but the Evening News is a little more structured and serious that GMA. One of the things I loved was how the three of them worked together.
I will continue to watch every morning, but it will not be the same. I will miss having Charles at the breakfast table!!
I know that he will still be on everyday, but the Evening News is a little more structured and serious that GMA. One of the things I loved was how the three of them worked together.
I will continue to watch every morning, but it will not be the same. I will miss having Charles at the breakfast table!!
DADDY'S HOME!!
We picked up Daddy last night - YEA!!!!!! The boys were so excited that on the way to the airport, every airplane was Daddy's (Daddy was already at the airport).
The first thing that Caleb said when Paul got to the car was
"Daddy when we get home do you want to see my tadpoles?"
So when we got home, Daddy barely got him and his suitcase in the door before Caleb was pulling him in his room. He went and looked at them, "that one does not look too good." he said. Unfortunately, I failed to mention to Paul about the mornings break down about the tadpoles. Caleb walked into the bathroom mumbling "yeah he looks like he misses his parents!" with a big frown on his face.
The tadpole did not look bad, they actually look pretty good compared to when he broght them home and they have grown quite a bit!!
The first thing that Caleb said when Paul got to the car was
"Daddy when we get home do you want to see my tadpoles?"
So when we got home, Daddy barely got him and his suitcase in the door before Caleb was pulling him in his room. He went and looked at them, "that one does not look too good." he said. Unfortunately, I failed to mention to Paul about the mornings break down about the tadpoles. Caleb walked into the bathroom mumbling "yeah he looks like he misses his parents!" with a big frown on his face.
The tadpole did not look bad, they actually look pretty good compared to when he broght them home and they have grown quite a bit!!
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Something Strange In the Neighborhood
I think we need the ghostbusters, because Bryce must be talking to someone when he is supposed to be taking a nap or something!! I don't where he is getting this stuff all of a sudden! I gave the kids snacks. Isaac said thank you and then Bryce said thank you. THEN.....
"Mommy, you a princess!" Bryce says proudly.
"Yeah, you a beautiful princess!" adds Isaac.
About now I am waiting to find something REALLY bad, or I am waiting for them to ask for something REALLY big! I don't know what is going on, but it is kinda scary!
I will just ride the ride while it is here. Tomorrow I will probably hear "I hate you" all day!!
Like Em said yesterday, it is amazing how fast you can go from the best mom on earth to the worst in a moment of seconds!
IN OTHER NEWS:
For those of you that read this mornings post: as expected, Caleb came home in a great mood, what ever his problem was - he is over it!!
Isaac went to the dr about his cough. Everything sounds and looks great. She thinks it might be a little bit of croup and put him on a steroid and he is back on an inhaler. This is not completly good though, Isaac HATES (with a passion) the inhaler. I guess because Bryce started on it at such a young age, he is just used to it, but when Isaac got home and saw the medicine sitting on the kitchen counter - including the aerochamber - he started crying and said he did not want it. Good thing Daddy is coming home tonight, because it is definently a two person job to give him that. It is so funny though, because with all the other "stuff" he has been on, he has never had a problem with any of them!!
"Mommy, you a princess!" Bryce says proudly.
"Yeah, you a beautiful princess!" adds Isaac.
About now I am waiting to find something REALLY bad, or I am waiting for them to ask for something REALLY big! I don't know what is going on, but it is kinda scary!
I will just ride the ride while it is here. Tomorrow I will probably hear "I hate you" all day!!
Like Em said yesterday, it is amazing how fast you can go from the best mom on earth to the worst in a moment of seconds!
IN OTHER NEWS:
For those of you that read this mornings post: as expected, Caleb came home in a great mood, what ever his problem was - he is over it!!
Isaac went to the dr about his cough. Everything sounds and looks great. She thinks it might be a little bit of croup and put him on a steroid and he is back on an inhaler. This is not completly good though, Isaac HATES (with a passion) the inhaler. I guess because Bryce started on it at such a young age, he is just used to it, but when Isaac got home and saw the medicine sitting on the kitchen counter - including the aerochamber - he started crying and said he did not want it. Good thing Daddy is coming home tonight, because it is definently a two person job to give him that. It is so funny though, because with all the other "stuff" he has been on, he has never had a problem with any of them!!
Turn On the Charm
Bryce is learning to fast. He is supposed to be taking a nap right now. I went in to tell him to get back in bed. I was tucking him back in and he started playing with my hair.
"I love your hair, it's pretty."
"Thank you." I said. "Now go to sleep."
"I love your lips, they are pretty."
WHAT????
Where do they learn this stuff?
"I love your hair, it's pretty."
"Thank you." I said. "Now go to sleep."
"I love your lips, they are pretty."
WHAT????
Where do they learn this stuff?
The Juniors Chronicles
What a morning!! We all got up late this morning, except Isaac who was up before six because of this awful cough he has had the last several weeks (he goes to the dr in a little while about that). I turned on PBS for him to watch and went back to bed. Bryce got up about 7:30 and I got Caleb up at about 7:45, so I just got home from taking everyone to their "places".
I had forgotten to fix Caleb a lunch, so I had to run home before I dropped him off and get it. He has been fine all morning (the short time he was up), seemed in a good mood and everything. I go back out to the car and get in and he is crying. I asked him what was wrong and I got the normal "I don't want to talk about it" that is always the response to that question. We are really having to work on his talking about problems!!!
After going through the normal run-down of questions, I finally just asked if he wanted to stay home today (I think a lot of his problem is he is too tired!!). He said no, he wanted to go to BGC. I told him I was not taking him anywhere until he talked to me about what was bothering him. Finally, he answered.
"I did a bad thing with the toads." He says with tears flowing.
"What?"
I did not do the right thing. I took them from their home and now they will never see their Mommy and Daddy."
Collective AHHHHHHHHH! here.
"Sweetie, their Mommy and Daddy don't hang around and wait on them to turn into frogs. Besides, I thought the puddle was drying up?"
"It was."
"Well, if the puddle were to dry up what would happen?"
"They would die because there would be no water."
"And if they die, would they see their Mommy and Daddy?"
"No."
"Well, then it seems to me that you are a hero - you saved them!"
Unfortunately, me building it all up did not make things better. I told him I was going to pick him up early today and maybe he could come home and take a nap before VBS. We have a late night because sometime after 9 tonight, Daddy is coming home and we have to pick him up. Hopefully BGC will get Caleb out of whatever funk he is in this morning!!
I had forgotten to fix Caleb a lunch, so I had to run home before I dropped him off and get it. He has been fine all morning (the short time he was up), seemed in a good mood and everything. I go back out to the car and get in and he is crying. I asked him what was wrong and I got the normal "I don't want to talk about it" that is always the response to that question. We are really having to work on his talking about problems!!!
After going through the normal run-down of questions, I finally just asked if he wanted to stay home today (I think a lot of his problem is he is too tired!!). He said no, he wanted to go to BGC. I told him I was not taking him anywhere until he talked to me about what was bothering him. Finally, he answered.
"I did a bad thing with the toads." He says with tears flowing.
"What?"
I did not do the right thing. I took them from their home and now they will never see their Mommy and Daddy."
Collective AHHHHHHHHH! here.
"Sweetie, their Mommy and Daddy don't hang around and wait on them to turn into frogs. Besides, I thought the puddle was drying up?"
"It was."
"Well, if the puddle were to dry up what would happen?"
"They would die because there would be no water."
"And if they die, would they see their Mommy and Daddy?"
"No."
"Well, then it seems to me that you are a hero - you saved them!"
Unfortunately, me building it all up did not make things better. I told him I was going to pick him up early today and maybe he could come home and take a nap before VBS. We have a late night because sometime after 9 tonight, Daddy is coming home and we have to pick him up. Hopefully BGC will get Caleb out of whatever funk he is in this morning!!
Monday, June 26, 2006
MY POINT EXACTLY!!!
I know you and your siblings are stubborn, I certainly know that I am not near as stubborn as all of the rest of the family put together...it must come from your father.....
This is the response I got from my Mom for the "I AM WEAK" post, where I talked about how stubborn we all are. This just proves what I said!
This is the response I got from my Mom for the "I AM WEAK" post, where I talked about how stubborn we all are. This just proves what I said!
Big Junior and Little Junior Update & Another Apology to Mom
That would be the tadpoles (or polliwogs - I like that name better) that Caleb saved from a drying-up puddle at the BGC.
I should insert another apology to my mom here!! Sorry for the stray animals I brought home. You are probably thinking hey at least he only brings home bugs and tadpoles, not lab puppies!! But lets think for a minute shall we - he is 7!!! BGC is pretty much the only place he goes where Daddy and I are not. There is not usually any stray animals running around BGC (I imagine with that many kids, no stray animal is stupid enough to come around). I imagine if in his first 2 weeks of being away from his parents on a regular basis he was able to come home EVERYDAY with something he "saved" or "brought for his brothers bug collection kit" (yes the brother that HATES bugs, but was talked into buying this kit by his older brother who LOVES bugs), imagine what he is going to bring home as he grows older and gets more independant. I should probably start investing in an Exotic Animal Sanctuary or something (with lots of land) because we will end up with all sorts of animals!! AND, he already has some good reasoning skills for why we should keep the animals ("it would be a good science experiment to watch them turn into frogs!") How do you say no to a child that is eager to learn? I know I will learn real quick when animals start flowing in everyday!!
BACK TO THE UPDATE: we still have 2 tadpoles. Caleb still spends his day watching them, like if he stares at them long enough, he will see the legs sprout out of their tiny, wierd little bodies. He has rearranged some things in his room, so that he can put his little rocking chair in front of the tank and watch them. He spends his time home reading to them too - I've heard this makes their legs grow faster too?
He told his Sunday School class about them yesterday and they asked him to bring his frogs to class sometime. He is so excited about this. Somehow I think we have lost the we-can-let-them-go-when-they-turn-into-frogs part of our agreement, because long term plans are being made for them by a little boy. I have tried to explain to Caleb that we have no where to house frogs. He tells me they can stay in the tank they are in, I can't make him understand that it is too small for frogs - they would not be able to jump and what is a frog that can't jump??
I also try to keep reminding Caleb that they may not make it. I was sure when we started this that the first morning we would wake up and they would be dead, but they are apparantly hearty little fellows! It is hard to make him understand that even though they have made it going on 6 days, I still don't know what I am doing and they could still die! This would be one of those MANY moments where all he hears is BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.
Big Junior is still shooting around the tank, and Little Junior is starting to be a little less shy. I went in this morning to pull up the shades so they can have some light and they were both swimming all over the tank! Keep a look out for more updates to come!!
I should insert another apology to my mom here!! Sorry for the stray animals I brought home. You are probably thinking hey at least he only brings home bugs and tadpoles, not lab puppies!! But lets think for a minute shall we - he is 7!!! BGC is pretty much the only place he goes where Daddy and I are not. There is not usually any stray animals running around BGC (I imagine with that many kids, no stray animal is stupid enough to come around). I imagine if in his first 2 weeks of being away from his parents on a regular basis he was able to come home EVERYDAY with something he "saved" or "brought for his brothers bug collection kit" (yes the brother that HATES bugs, but was talked into buying this kit by his older brother who LOVES bugs), imagine what he is going to bring home as he grows older and gets more independant. I should probably start investing in an Exotic Animal Sanctuary or something (with lots of land) because we will end up with all sorts of animals!! AND, he already has some good reasoning skills for why we should keep the animals ("it would be a good science experiment to watch them turn into frogs!") How do you say no to a child that is eager to learn? I know I will learn real quick when animals start flowing in everyday!!
BACK TO THE UPDATE: we still have 2 tadpoles. Caleb still spends his day watching them, like if he stares at them long enough, he will see the legs sprout out of their tiny, wierd little bodies. He has rearranged some things in his room, so that he can put his little rocking chair in front of the tank and watch them. He spends his time home reading to them too - I've heard this makes their legs grow faster too?
He told his Sunday School class about them yesterday and they asked him to bring his frogs to class sometime. He is so excited about this. Somehow I think we have lost the we-can-let-them-go-when-they-turn-into-frogs part of our agreement, because long term plans are being made for them by a little boy. I have tried to explain to Caleb that we have no where to house frogs. He tells me they can stay in the tank they are in, I can't make him understand that it is too small for frogs - they would not be able to jump and what is a frog that can't jump??
I also try to keep reminding Caleb that they may not make it. I was sure when we started this that the first morning we would wake up and they would be dead, but they are apparantly hearty little fellows! It is hard to make him understand that even though they have made it going on 6 days, I still don't know what I am doing and they could still die! This would be one of those MANY moments where all he hears is BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.
Big Junior is still shooting around the tank, and Little Junior is starting to be a little less shy. I went in this morning to pull up the shades so they can have some light and they were both swimming all over the tank! Keep a look out for more updates to come!!
Isaac's Last Week of School
Isaac is entering his last week of school for the year. He is not very happy about that! He loves school and is not ready to sit at home! I can only hope that he always loves school like this!
Since his school did not open until October, they had to stay through June to make up the days. He will still start back in August, so at least he does not have a long summer! After next school year...(insert crybaby face here) - HE WILL BE IN KINDERGARTEN!!!
Now most of you are probably saying "that is a little over a year away, what is your problem?" Let me tell you - it goes by fast. It seems like Caleb was just starting Pre-K, and now....entering 2ND GRADE!!! I feel like I am going to close my eyes one night and wake up the next morning to get ready for their graduations!!
Sorry - I am having one of those my-kids-are-growing-up-too-fast kinda days!
Since his school did not open until October, they had to stay through June to make up the days. He will still start back in August, so at least he does not have a long summer! After next school year...(insert crybaby face here) - HE WILL BE IN KINDERGARTEN!!!
Now most of you are probably saying "that is a little over a year away, what is your problem?" Let me tell you - it goes by fast. It seems like Caleb was just starting Pre-K, and now....entering 2ND GRADE!!! I feel like I am going to close my eyes one night and wake up the next morning to get ready for their graduations!!
Sorry - I am having one of those my-kids-are-growing-up-too-fast kinda days!
Parental Reading Scale - CEQ
Well, I have a book to rate with my reading scale!!
The book is 801 Questions Kids Ask About God. It is a book from Focus On The Family, and I think it is a great book. It has common questions about everything ranging from creation to praying, to heaven, to angels, death, money, friends and school, right and wrong, our world, and of course, God and the Bible!
I was so excited when I got this book because Caleb has always asked a lot of questions about these topics.
Well....Caleb was asking a question about angels yesterday. I got the book out and answered his question and all the other questions that came from the first one. When we were done I put it up and went about my daily routine. A little while later, Caleb came out of his room with more questions. I answered them the best I could, and then went to get the book for help.
The book was gone!
I am looking for it, knowing I had put it away. I looked in Caleb's room just to make sure I had not left it there by accident. It was there! Apparantly he had gone and gotten it after we had looked at it. He was reading it like a regular book. Well, through reading the questions and the answers and the scripture about it - IT EVOKED MORE QUESTIONS!!! Questions that were not answered in the book of course!!
So...I recommend the book to EVERYONE - it is great....ust don't let your child sit down and read it like a regular book!!!!
The book is 801 Questions Kids Ask About God. It is a book from Focus On The Family, and I think it is a great book. It has common questions about everything ranging from creation to praying, to heaven, to angels, death, money, friends and school, right and wrong, our world, and of course, God and the Bible!
I was so excited when I got this book because Caleb has always asked a lot of questions about these topics.
Well....Caleb was asking a question about angels yesterday. I got the book out and answered his question and all the other questions that came from the first one. When we were done I put it up and went about my daily routine. A little while later, Caleb came out of his room with more questions. I answered them the best I could, and then went to get the book for help.
The book was gone!
I am looking for it, knowing I had put it away. I looked in Caleb's room just to make sure I had not left it there by accident. It was there! Apparantly he had gone and gotten it after we had looked at it. He was reading it like a regular book. Well, through reading the questions and the answers and the scripture about it - IT EVOKED MORE QUESTIONS!!! Questions that were not answered in the book of course!!
So...I recommend the book to EVERYONE - it is great....ust don't let your child sit down and read it like a regular book!!!!
I Might Cry!
Well, Bryce and I went and did our normal morning routine of taking Caleb and Isaac to school and running errands. I usually try to do all my errands first thing in the morning, because Bryce is usually in a good mood, but not too wild yet.
So everything went fine, until we got home! I pulled in the driveway and things went horribly wrong!
"Where's my boat?" Bryce asked frantically.
"I don't know - I did not know you brought one."
"Where is my boat?"
"OOOOHHHH" (insert lightbulb flashing above my head!)
"Oh yeah - it is at the beach." he said
"Sweetie, we sold the boat - remember?"
This is where the puddles of tears come in! I tried explaining, yet again, that now he could play in the driveway, but he wanted nothing to do with that.
Now when I sold the boat Saturday, I must admit, I had a twinge of sadness. I mean - we did not fit in the boat (the family), and Paul does not have time for the boat, but...still...it was OUR boat. It is nice to have the driveway, too.
But everytime Bryce crys about it....it makes me a little sadder about it!!
So everything went fine, until we got home! I pulled in the driveway and things went horribly wrong!
"Where's my boat?" Bryce asked frantically.
"I don't know - I did not know you brought one."
"Where is my boat?"
"OOOOHHHH" (insert lightbulb flashing above my head!)
"Oh yeah - it is at the beach." he said
"Sweetie, we sold the boat - remember?"
This is where the puddles of tears come in! I tried explaining, yet again, that now he could play in the driveway, but he wanted nothing to do with that.
Now when I sold the boat Saturday, I must admit, I had a twinge of sadness. I mean - we did not fit in the boat (the family), and Paul does not have time for the boat, but...still...it was OUR boat. It is nice to have the driveway, too.
But everytime Bryce crys about it....it makes me a little sadder about it!!
Sunday, June 25, 2006
I THINK I CAUSED THE FEROCIOUS THREES!!
I think it is all my fault!! Bryce's favorite book up until we found Firebears was The Ravenous Beast. I must have taught him to be like this by reading him this book. Where is the rating system?? They have rating systems for movies, games and music - why not books?
Maybe I should start one. For example:
TMW - Too Many Words for a bed time story - somehow the kids always know to pick the
longest book for US to read when we say goodnight.
PFB - Perfect For Bed - this would be for nice, short, sweet, quiet books
MVE - Many Voices Expected - The Ravenous Beast would fall under this category. This is for books that have many different characters - which all need their own voice, of course.
CTW - Could Turn Wild - The Ravenous Beast would also fall under this one! This book has the word hungry in it A LOT! Well, I started something with the boys and now everytime I say the word hungry - I have to tickle the boys as I say it. The giggles start coming and the boys tense up into a ball everytime I get close to "the" word. NOT A GOOD BEDTIME STORY!!
WEQ - Will Evoke Questions - these are the books Caleb LOVES!! While they are healthy and sometimes fun, it is not what you want to read right before you are about to go somewhere or when you have kids screaming or fighting!! Make sure you have PLENTY of time to devote to answering the questions to the best of your ability and always be prepared to get online to look up what he does not feel like you have suffieciently taught. He does, after all, know more than you (and if he doesn't he will when he gets done reading EVERY site he finds when he does a search and gets GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOGLE at the bottom of the search page - because yes, he will click on EVERY result found!)
CGE - Could Get Expensive - I think every time we go to the library Caleb ends up with a book that means I have to spend money! He gets books on making paper airplanes (you need cardstock paper, tape, paperclips, etc), origami, science experiments (I thought that is why we kept the tadpoles!?!), magic tricks, etc.
HA - Highly Addictive - means that your two year old might make you read it so many times that you both have it memorized in less than two weeks. (Since I recite Firebears even when Bryce is not with me.....)
NW - No Words - a personal favorite because then the kids can make up their own story and READ IT TO ME!!
This post is causing my brain too hurt, I will keep thinking of a rating system and if anyone has any they would like included...let me know!
Maybe I should start one. For example:
TMW - Too Many Words for a bed time story - somehow the kids always know to pick the
longest book for US to read when we say goodnight.
PFB - Perfect For Bed - this would be for nice, short, sweet, quiet books
MVE - Many Voices Expected - The Ravenous Beast would fall under this category. This is for books that have many different characters - which all need their own voice, of course.
CTW - Could Turn Wild - The Ravenous Beast would also fall under this one! This book has the word hungry in it A LOT! Well, I started something with the boys and now everytime I say the word hungry - I have to tickle the boys as I say it. The giggles start coming and the boys tense up into a ball everytime I get close to "the" word. NOT A GOOD BEDTIME STORY!!
WEQ - Will Evoke Questions - these are the books Caleb LOVES!! While they are healthy and sometimes fun, it is not what you want to read right before you are about to go somewhere or when you have kids screaming or fighting!! Make sure you have PLENTY of time to devote to answering the questions to the best of your ability and always be prepared to get online to look up what he does not feel like you have suffieciently taught. He does, after all, know more than you (and if he doesn't he will when he gets done reading EVERY site he finds when he does a search and gets GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOGLE at the bottom of the search page - because yes, he will click on EVERY result found!)
CGE - Could Get Expensive - I think every time we go to the library Caleb ends up with a book that means I have to spend money! He gets books on making paper airplanes (you need cardstock paper, tape, paperclips, etc), origami, science experiments (I thought that is why we kept the tadpoles!?!), magic tricks, etc.
HA - Highly Addictive - means that your two year old might make you read it so many times that you both have it memorized in less than two weeks. (Since I recite Firebears even when Bryce is not with me.....)
NW - No Words - a personal favorite because then the kids can make up their own story and READ IT TO ME!!
This post is causing my brain too hurt, I will keep thinking of a rating system and if anyone has any they would like included...let me know!
A LOVING, SINCERE APOLOGY TO MY MOM
There have been many phone calls to my mother, since I became a mother, that have included apologies for things I did growing up. Maybe it is because I had my babies young and these things are still fresh in my memory, or maybe everyone remembers things like this, but here is yet another apology (I am sure I will be apologizing the rest of my life as I "live and learn" with my boys!!
So here it goes....
I am SSSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, SO, SO, SO sorry for never understanding when (and why) you needed alone time. More than being sorry for not understanding that, I am sorry for any guilt I ever caused you because of my lack of understanding this and taking it personally.
I get it now...
Better late than never...right?
I am sitting here - in my quiet house - for the first time since.....(racking my brain here).....well.... I am not sure how long..... (never, maybe).
This could not have come at a better time!!
The boys are at Vacation Bible School, which our church does in the evenings, for 2 1/2 hours. Now I must tell you that I have been feeling guilty because in the past I would be working at VBS (last year I worked VBS at a church I had never been too). I was asked/begged/pleaded to help, but because I have a drs appt this week and don't know if they are going to do anymore testing (and if so what will be involved), I told them I could not do it. I told them I did not want to commit and then not be able to do it. I have been feeling REALLY guilty about this!
I wanted to do it, kinda. I have always enjoyed doing VBS and I love working with the kids, but with my lack of energy and abundance of stress (will that ever turn around to abundance of energy and lack of stress???), it probably would not have been a good idea. If it was in the morning, I could probably make it through, but as the day goes on, the energy goes down and I have a hard time functioning well.
I am trying not to feel to guilty about dropping my kids off and leaving. I deserve a couple of hours by myself (and you always did too Mom!! - and still do)! I am doing this post so that I won't go clean house - which it could desperately use about now! This is why when Bryce was going to MDO and the others were at school, I would not come home! I see things that "need" to be done and think of how easy it would be to do without the kids here. So I still don't get to relax!
So, Mom, please forgive me and know that I have learned. I will have many more things that I will apologize to you for as the boys grow older, and as I have done in the past, I will stop what I am doing and call (or post). I love you very much and appreciate the patience you had with us growing up. I know it is a little late and my apology does nothing to give you that much needed time from then, but know that it taught me. I try to remember that the kids DON'T understand, and won't for many years to come. I will try to teach them why it is important for everyone to have some ALONE time!!
Thank you for yet another lesson learned....years after it was taught!
So here it goes....
I am SSSSSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, SO, SO, SO sorry for never understanding when (and why) you needed alone time. More than being sorry for not understanding that, I am sorry for any guilt I ever caused you because of my lack of understanding this and taking it personally.
I get it now...
Better late than never...right?
I am sitting here - in my quiet house - for the first time since.....(racking my brain here).....well.... I am not sure how long..... (never, maybe).
This could not have come at a better time!!
The boys are at Vacation Bible School, which our church does in the evenings, for 2 1/2 hours. Now I must tell you that I have been feeling guilty because in the past I would be working at VBS (last year I worked VBS at a church I had never been too). I was asked/begged/pleaded to help, but because I have a drs appt this week and don't know if they are going to do anymore testing (and if so what will be involved), I told them I could not do it. I told them I did not want to commit and then not be able to do it. I have been feeling REALLY guilty about this!
I wanted to do it, kinda. I have always enjoyed doing VBS and I love working with the kids, but with my lack of energy and abundance of stress (will that ever turn around to abundance of energy and lack of stress???), it probably would not have been a good idea. If it was in the morning, I could probably make it through, but as the day goes on, the energy goes down and I have a hard time functioning well.
I am trying not to feel to guilty about dropping my kids off and leaving. I deserve a couple of hours by myself (and you always did too Mom!! - and still do)! I am doing this post so that I won't go clean house - which it could desperately use about now! This is why when Bryce was going to MDO and the others were at school, I would not come home! I see things that "need" to be done and think of how easy it would be to do without the kids here. So I still don't get to relax!
So, Mom, please forgive me and know that I have learned. I will have many more things that I will apologize to you for as the boys grow older, and as I have done in the past, I will stop what I am doing and call (or post). I love you very much and appreciate the patience you had with us growing up. I know it is a little late and my apology does nothing to give you that much needed time from then, but know that it taught me. I try to remember that the kids DON'T understand, and won't for many years to come. I will try to teach them why it is important for everyone to have some ALONE time!!
Thank you for yet another lesson learned....years after it was taught!
Terrible Twos???
Here is something for you first time parents with infants to think about and - well - it would probably be best if you come to grips with it now. Who ever made up the term "terrible twos" had not yet experienced threes!!
I will agree that twos were more terrible than ones. How could they not be. By two they are walking, talking, getting into everything, exploring their new world (now that they are so mobile) and trying out their independency. But I will tell you that two does not hold a candle to three.
Sadly, Bryce just turned three five days ago, but boy has he perfected the roll in those five days!! I am working on a term for three - if I say "terrible threes" then unknowing new parents will think that it is the same as the twos - but a different number! I had originally thought about lets-see-how-insane-we-can-make-our-Mommy-go-and-how-quick threes, but that is a pretty lengthy term.
How about...
ferocious threes
let's look up the definition for ferocious and see if it fits.....
WOW - first word I thought of and it is a perfect description!!!
ferocious - adj : marked by extreme and violent energy
Fierce; savage; wild; indicating cruelty; ravenous
http://dict.die.net/ferocious/
I believe that is it...my new term...we went from terrible twos to ferocious threes - OVERNIGHT!!
Good luck to all of you who have not yet hit Ferocious Threes. A word of advice - enjoy the Terrible Twos - they are a walk in the park...
I will agree that twos were more terrible than ones. How could they not be. By two they are walking, talking, getting into everything, exploring their new world (now that they are so mobile) and trying out their independency. But I will tell you that two does not hold a candle to three.
Sadly, Bryce just turned three five days ago, but boy has he perfected the roll in those five days!! I am working on a term for three - if I say "terrible threes" then unknowing new parents will think that it is the same as the twos - but a different number! I had originally thought about lets-see-how-insane-we-can-make-our-Mommy-go-and-how-quick threes, but that is a pretty lengthy term.
How about...
ferocious threes
let's look up the definition for ferocious and see if it fits.....
WOW - first word I thought of and it is a perfect description!!!
ferocious - adj : marked by extreme and violent energy
Fierce; savage; wild; indicating cruelty; ravenous
http://dict.die.net/ferocious/
I believe that is it...my new term...we went from terrible twos to ferocious threes - OVERNIGHT!!
Good luck to all of you who have not yet hit Ferocious Threes. A word of advice - enjoy the Terrible Twos - they are a walk in the park...
Where Is My Sleepy Boy?
Bryce has always slept more than "normal" for most kids. I have not been too concerned though because he always slept a lot, since birth. When I say he sleeps a lot, I mean usually 12-14 hours every night with a 3 hour nap during the day. I have always just let him sleep what he has needed too and arrange things around his nap.
Well, if you read the blog frequently, you know that Bryce has been growing out of THINKING he needs sleep. Actually, he is not growing out of it - he has done a 180! For a while I could not get him to take naps. I would put him in his room and he would do his good night routine, but he would play as soon as the door was shut.
Well, he got to where he was asking me to leave his door open when I put him to bed. I reluctantly left the door open - and he immediately went to bed. Well, we did that for about a week and it was working very well. I would put him to bed and with no crying or fits. Then one day he decided he did not want his door left open. I guess he realized that if the door was open he could not play without being caught. Now I make him leave it open!!
So, before, if he did not take a nap, he would go to bed early. Now, he does not take a nap and when I put him to bed, he does not go to sleep for 3 or 4 hours! He has gone from 15 + hours of sleep everyday, to about 7 1/2 hours a day. HE CUT HIS SLEEP IN HALF almost overnight. Unfortunately for us all - he is not ready for this! When I am at my tiredest and grouchiest is when he is now at his. This does not make for pleasant evenings!! Hopefully they will get my medicine dosage worked out so that I will have the energy to deal with him a little better. For some reason I think I have forever lost my sleepyhead little boy to a stay-up-all-day/night-party animal!
Well, if you read the blog frequently, you know that Bryce has been growing out of THINKING he needs sleep. Actually, he is not growing out of it - he has done a 180! For a while I could not get him to take naps. I would put him in his room and he would do his good night routine, but he would play as soon as the door was shut.
Well, he got to where he was asking me to leave his door open when I put him to bed. I reluctantly left the door open - and he immediately went to bed. Well, we did that for about a week and it was working very well. I would put him to bed and with no crying or fits. Then one day he decided he did not want his door left open. I guess he realized that if the door was open he could not play without being caught. Now I make him leave it open!!
So, before, if he did not take a nap, he would go to bed early. Now, he does not take a nap and when I put him to bed, he does not go to sleep for 3 or 4 hours! He has gone from 15 + hours of sleep everyday, to about 7 1/2 hours a day. HE CUT HIS SLEEP IN HALF almost overnight. Unfortunately for us all - he is not ready for this! When I am at my tiredest and grouchiest is when he is now at his. This does not make for pleasant evenings!! Hopefully they will get my medicine dosage worked out so that I will have the energy to deal with him a little better. For some reason I think I have forever lost my sleepyhead little boy to a stay-up-all-day/night-party animal!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
I Am So Weak!
I cleaned the boys bedrooms last week after the birthday party, because the rooms were messy from all of the kids. I did not mind that, and I did not ask, tell or expect the kids, mine or the ones that came to the party, to clean it. However, the clean room only lasted one day - if that. It is like Bryce does not know what to play with, so he gets everything out at once.
I have been asking, threatening, begging, pleading, etc with Isaac and Bryce all week to get the room cleaned up, but cannot get anyone to get it done. I finally, after a week, gave up and cleaned the room myself. I know this is bad, and the kids will learn that if they let the mess - that is not bothering them anyway - sit long enough or get bad enough, Mom will take care of it. Because of things that have happened in the past - which we will leave unmentioned - I have always been adament about the kids learning to clean up after themselves. But I failed today!! I gave up and cleaned it! I am such a failure of a mother and might need counseling for it now!!
This family is a pretty stubborn family!! I know none of ya'll have noticed!! Well, Paul and I go back and forth about which side of the family this stubborness comes from, but hey lets face it - be honest - THE KIDS DID NOT HAVE A CHANCE!! We are both very stubborn and it seems that the line of stubborness goes way back on all sides of the family. THAT IS RIGHT - ALL OF THE FAMILIES!!!
Well, I say that just to point out that while I normally would be just as stubborn about NOT giving into the kids and cleaning up after them as they are stubborn about NOT cleaning up after themselves. But, unfortunately, the last couple of nights, I am the one that keeps injuring myself in the room, not them. There little feet are better about falling between toys than my size 9 1/2 foot is. I think Bryce has fallen or stepped on something once or twice, but after a few screams, he is over it and does not care to clean the room to keep it from happening again.
I vow to do better about not giving in to the kids....
until the next time I give in!! :)
Don't even ask us to change the stubborness - it is just in the genes - too late to do anything about that!!!
I have been asking, threatening, begging, pleading, etc with Isaac and Bryce all week to get the room cleaned up, but cannot get anyone to get it done. I finally, after a week, gave up and cleaned the room myself. I know this is bad, and the kids will learn that if they let the mess - that is not bothering them anyway - sit long enough or get bad enough, Mom will take care of it. Because of things that have happened in the past - which we will leave unmentioned - I have always been adament about the kids learning to clean up after themselves. But I failed today!! I gave up and cleaned it! I am such a failure of a mother and might need counseling for it now!!
This family is a pretty stubborn family!! I know none of ya'll have noticed!! Well, Paul and I go back and forth about which side of the family this stubborness comes from, but hey lets face it - be honest - THE KIDS DID NOT HAVE A CHANCE!! We are both very stubborn and it seems that the line of stubborness goes way back on all sides of the family. THAT IS RIGHT - ALL OF THE FAMILIES!!!
Well, I say that just to point out that while I normally would be just as stubborn about NOT giving into the kids and cleaning up after them as they are stubborn about NOT cleaning up after themselves. But, unfortunately, the last couple of nights, I am the one that keeps injuring myself in the room, not them. There little feet are better about falling between toys than my size 9 1/2 foot is. I think Bryce has fallen or stepped on something once or twice, but after a few screams, he is over it and does not care to clean the room to keep it from happening again.
I vow to do better about not giving in to the kids....
until the next time I give in!! :)
Don't even ask us to change the stubborness - it is just in the genes - too late to do anything about that!!!
MY CHILDREN ARE AWESOME!
Sorry about the last post, just needed to vent - wait, no I'm not sorry - that is partially what I do this for right? I wanted to add that the kids were great during all of this. They stayed in the house and out of trouble while I was dealing with all of these people! I wanted them in the house, because for one - I knew they would be into everything and I did not want to try to watch the three of them, and talk to people looking, and number 2, although I told them we were selling it, I did not want to know what would happen if we actually DID sell it.
Well, Caleb got upset at first then said that was okay he would rather have a kayak with Daddy. Isaac could care less, but Bryce....Bryce walks out the door as the guy is pulling out of the driveway - with the boat. Bryce starts screaming this horrible, blood-curdling scream. His face was red and tears were flowing like I don't think I have ever seen them flow on him! When he finally caught his breath enough to speak, he screams - for the whole neighborhood, if not city, to hear - "I WANT MY BOAT BACK!!!!!" Nevermind that he has only been on it I think once - maybe twice!!
I picked him up and he cried for quite a while. I kept pointing out that now they had the driveway to play basketball and ride bikes. This did not console him. After a while he calmed down - and then wanted to go play basketball and ride bikes!!
Well, Caleb got upset at first then said that was okay he would rather have a kayak with Daddy. Isaac could care less, but Bryce....Bryce walks out the door as the guy is pulling out of the driveway - with the boat. Bryce starts screaming this horrible, blood-curdling scream. His face was red and tears were flowing like I don't think I have ever seen them flow on him! When he finally caught his breath enough to speak, he screams - for the whole neighborhood, if not city, to hear - "I WANT MY BOAT BACK!!!!!" Nevermind that he has only been on it I think once - maybe twice!!
I picked him up and he cried for quite a while. I kept pointing out that now they had the driveway to play basketball and ride bikes. This did not console him. After a while he calmed down - and then wanted to go play basketball and ride bikes!!
PEOPLE AMAZE ME!!
Well, we listed Paul's boat in the paper Friday. Paul got called to an emergency response (ER) in Houston, so that did not work out well. I know absolutely NOTHING about boats, so I was kind of concerned when Paul started calling me telling me people were wanting to come look at it. I can't start this thing or tell anyone anything about it, except that we used to have a lot of fun on it and that the seats and carpet need to be replaced badly, other than that it is a great boat.
We had a guy come out last night and look at it. Paul and I both got the feeling by the way he acted and talked that he knew everything about boats (or at least he thought he did). So I just handed him the keys and stood out of the way. He got in the boat and said the floor felt a little weak. He asked if he could pull a little corner of the carpet up. I said that was fine and the next thing I hear is him pulling up about a foot of carpet - IN TWO PLACES!! The nerve of some people! I can understand wanting to check things out, but come on!! Next he goes and gets all these tools and supplies and starts hammering in different places all over the floor. Then he hooks some stuff to the engine to try to start it. Now, for those of you who don't know (I do know this much), you can't start a boat without water going through the motor. They have these earmuff things that you put on the motor and attach to a water hose to "trick" the boat into thinking there is water going through. Apparantly he decided to do another way where you take out the spark plugs and blah blah blah (Paul explained, but I don't understand - big surprise!!) So this guy is tinkering around, I step inside to check on my wonderful boys who waited patiently inside! I come back out and he is packing things up and said he was going to pass on it.
So, I talk to Paul late last night and apparantly this guy called Paul and told him that we needed to be letting people know that the boat needed major work and that it would not even start. At 10:30 last night, in the dark, nasty bugs flying all around and on me, I am out trying to figure out why the boat won't start - you know, with all my infinite wisdom of boats (more like absolute idiocy). Paul was on the phone telling me what to look at. He thought the charger or battery had gone bad (the battery stays on a charger that charges as needed). The battery is not too terribly old and when the guy turned the key (without water going through the motor) it sounded like it was going to start, which I don't think it would do if the battery was bad.
Well, by now - on top of the dark and bugs - it is raining!! The boat is not easy to cover by yourself, but I had gotten it recovered after the guy left. I decided to check to see if the depth finder and lights worked, which meant uncovering the boat (in the rain, dark and bugs). I uncover and find that everything worked fine and after I looked, went back to the battery and saw the charger light on (saying it was charging). I told Paul that it was all working and I did not know what the guys problem was. We did not know what to do, someone was supposed to come over and look at it at 8:30 this morning! I gave up, recovered it and went to bed.
So, this morning, I am really worried about the boat and if something is wrong with it, since someone was coming over to look at it. To top it off - it is pouring and only over OUR COUNTY! The rest of the state - DRY! I did not have a number for this couple to tell them to wait a while for it to stop raining, so when they got here, I again went out in the rain to uncover it for about a minute and a half. This guy looks at it, really wants it, wants Paul to call him so they can "work out a deal" and told me that he would come back when Paul is home and it is not raining (and actually helped me cover it back). I said that was fine. They call me about 10 minutes after they leave and ask me to call Paul and find out the lowest price he would take, and that he wanted it. I did that, called back and told him he would not come off the price (he way underpriced it anyway, apparantly!). They started telling me how they were on a fixed income (aren't we all??)and they wanted him to knock off about $350 (and we won't even talk about the fact that they drove up in a new camaro!). So they told me that if it does not sell by the time Paul comes home to call him and they would deal.
Meanwhile, the phone has been ringing off the hook! Paul is down where things are exploding and his phone is ringing off the hook (we listed his cell phone number in the add unaware of Paul leaving town). A couple came out and looked at it. After a while, he goes to try to start it. I am really worried and praying that it will start for him (Paul ran it last month for quite awhile so I knew it WAS working). I ended up having to call Paul so he could tell the guy how to start it. Well, apparantly when the know-it-all-jerk came last night and rudely called Paul talking about how awful the boat was - HE FAILED TO CHECK THE GAS!!! I had put gas in it, but I did not know that the line was unhooked so that gas was not sitting in the engine! The first thing the guy this afternoon did when it did not start right up was CHECK THE GAS and immediately saw that the gas line was not hooked up. Hey guess what folks, the boat runs off gas and when it had gas - IT STARTED!! I almost love it when someone like that - that thinks they know everything - are put in there place by something so obvious and stupid - I just wish he had been here to see it!
Anyways - this couple bought the boat - YEAH!!! I have had several more calls that had talked to Paul before it was sold, and had to tell them it was gone. We got what we asked and they did not even try to get the price down! They know everything that we know needs to be done with it, but it runs and floats and that is the most important thing! AND now I don't have a boat just sitting in my driveway making parking crappy!
A word to the wise - if you see a boat that is listed way lower then all the other boats similar in age, etc., don't expect a boat that looks brand new! This boat is almost 20 years old and it has been well used up until the last couple of years! All the stuff that needs to be done to it is normal wear and tear on a boat of that age. The seats and carpet don't stay perfect forever. It is amazing that the first guy knew all of that before he came, went and had a hitch put on his tryuck, brought the cash and was still disappointed because it was apparantly not nice enough! Furthermore, I understand being on a fixed income and really it is none of my business what you drive or what you spend your money on, but understand too, that you are not the only one on a tight budget. We are a large one - income family and I get to pay bills with the money we made from it - FUN FUN!!
We had a guy come out last night and look at it. Paul and I both got the feeling by the way he acted and talked that he knew everything about boats (or at least he thought he did). So I just handed him the keys and stood out of the way. He got in the boat and said the floor felt a little weak. He asked if he could pull a little corner of the carpet up. I said that was fine and the next thing I hear is him pulling up about a foot of carpet - IN TWO PLACES!! The nerve of some people! I can understand wanting to check things out, but come on!! Next he goes and gets all these tools and supplies and starts hammering in different places all over the floor. Then he hooks some stuff to the engine to try to start it. Now, for those of you who don't know (I do know this much), you can't start a boat without water going through the motor. They have these earmuff things that you put on the motor and attach to a water hose to "trick" the boat into thinking there is water going through. Apparantly he decided to do another way where you take out the spark plugs and blah blah blah (Paul explained, but I don't understand - big surprise!!) So this guy is tinkering around, I step inside to check on my wonderful boys who waited patiently inside! I come back out and he is packing things up and said he was going to pass on it.
So, I talk to Paul late last night and apparantly this guy called Paul and told him that we needed to be letting people know that the boat needed major work and that it would not even start. At 10:30 last night, in the dark, nasty bugs flying all around and on me, I am out trying to figure out why the boat won't start - you know, with all my infinite wisdom of boats (more like absolute idiocy). Paul was on the phone telling me what to look at. He thought the charger or battery had gone bad (the battery stays on a charger that charges as needed). The battery is not too terribly old and when the guy turned the key (without water going through the motor) it sounded like it was going to start, which I don't think it would do if the battery was bad.
Well, by now - on top of the dark and bugs - it is raining!! The boat is not easy to cover by yourself, but I had gotten it recovered after the guy left. I decided to check to see if the depth finder and lights worked, which meant uncovering the boat (in the rain, dark and bugs). I uncover and find that everything worked fine and after I looked, went back to the battery and saw the charger light on (saying it was charging). I told Paul that it was all working and I did not know what the guys problem was. We did not know what to do, someone was supposed to come over and look at it at 8:30 this morning! I gave up, recovered it and went to bed.
So, this morning, I am really worried about the boat and if something is wrong with it, since someone was coming over to look at it. To top it off - it is pouring and only over OUR COUNTY! The rest of the state - DRY! I did not have a number for this couple to tell them to wait a while for it to stop raining, so when they got here, I again went out in the rain to uncover it for about a minute and a half. This guy looks at it, really wants it, wants Paul to call him so they can "work out a deal" and told me that he would come back when Paul is home and it is not raining (and actually helped me cover it back). I said that was fine. They call me about 10 minutes after they leave and ask me to call Paul and find out the lowest price he would take, and that he wanted it. I did that, called back and told him he would not come off the price (he way underpriced it anyway, apparantly!). They started telling me how they were on a fixed income (aren't we all??)and they wanted him to knock off about $350 (and we won't even talk about the fact that they drove up in a new camaro!). So they told me that if it does not sell by the time Paul comes home to call him and they would deal.
Meanwhile, the phone has been ringing off the hook! Paul is down where things are exploding and his phone is ringing off the hook (we listed his cell phone number in the add unaware of Paul leaving town). A couple came out and looked at it. After a while, he goes to try to start it. I am really worried and praying that it will start for him (Paul ran it last month for quite awhile so I knew it WAS working). I ended up having to call Paul so he could tell the guy how to start it. Well, apparantly when the know-it-all-jerk came last night and rudely called Paul talking about how awful the boat was - HE FAILED TO CHECK THE GAS!!! I had put gas in it, but I did not know that the line was unhooked so that gas was not sitting in the engine! The first thing the guy this afternoon did when it did not start right up was CHECK THE GAS and immediately saw that the gas line was not hooked up. Hey guess what folks, the boat runs off gas and when it had gas - IT STARTED!! I almost love it when someone like that - that thinks they know everything - are put in there place by something so obvious and stupid - I just wish he had been here to see it!
Anyways - this couple bought the boat - YEAH!!! I have had several more calls that had talked to Paul before it was sold, and had to tell them it was gone. We got what we asked and they did not even try to get the price down! They know everything that we know needs to be done with it, but it runs and floats and that is the most important thing! AND now I don't have a boat just sitting in my driveway making parking crappy!
A word to the wise - if you see a boat that is listed way lower then all the other boats similar in age, etc., don't expect a boat that looks brand new! This boat is almost 20 years old and it has been well used up until the last couple of years! All the stuff that needs to be done to it is normal wear and tear on a boat of that age. The seats and carpet don't stay perfect forever. It is amazing that the first guy knew all of that before he came, went and had a hitch put on his tryuck, brought the cash and was still disappointed because it was apparantly not nice enough! Furthermore, I understand being on a fixed income and really it is none of my business what you drive or what you spend your money on, but understand too, that you are not the only one on a tight budget. We are a large one - income family and I get to pay bills with the money we made from it - FUN FUN!!
Friday, June 23, 2006
Tadpoles
For those of you unaware of what a tadpole looks like - here is a super-blown up picture of them. These are not ours, this is a photo I found online just to give you an idea. Ours are very tiny, and you have to study the water for TOO LONG to actually find them if they are near the rocks. If they are swimming you can look through the side of the tank and see them.
Tadpole Update
Well, somehow the tadpoles made it through the night!! I got up this morning and the boys were sitting in chairs around the tadpole home. As soon as I walked in, Caleb told me that they were still swimming and he had named them. WHAT DID I SAY??? I knew he would have them named today!! Little Junior and Big Junior. I told him he needed to work on the names. He said they were Little Spencer Junior and Big Spencer Junior - just like him (his middle name is Spencer for those of you who don't know that!).
I am not sure which is Little and which is Big. They are the same size and look exactly alike. The only way you can tell them apart is that one seems shy and one seems friendly. One is always hiding and the other one is always right at the side of the tank so you can see his big buggy eyes.
Caleb got onto me this morning because I put black gravel in the tank. He said the tadpoles were black so they were hard to see. I told him the tadpoles were not black, they were more clear so they blend into everything. I also told him I was not expecting to have to house tadpoles last night, so I did the best I could with what was available here at the house. He is now thinking that we are going to head to the pet store tonight - which we aren't!
If they are still alive and well when Paul comes back into town (he went to Houston on Wednesday for an ER), then he and Caleb can figure things out! This is not my cup of tea!!! I am pretty proud that I kept them alive one night! I was worried about taking them from such nasty water to such clean water - such a big difference so quick is not usually good on fish - so I am doing the best I can!!!
I am not sure which is Little and which is Big. They are the same size and look exactly alike. The only way you can tell them apart is that one seems shy and one seems friendly. One is always hiding and the other one is always right at the side of the tank so you can see his big buggy eyes.
Caleb got onto me this morning because I put black gravel in the tank. He said the tadpoles were black so they were hard to see. I told him the tadpoles were not black, they were more clear so they blend into everything. I also told him I was not expecting to have to house tadpoles last night, so I did the best I could with what was available here at the house. He is now thinking that we are going to head to the pet store tonight - which we aren't!
If they are still alive and well when Paul comes back into town (he went to Houston on Wednesday for an ER), then he and Caleb can figure things out! This is not my cup of tea!!! I am pretty proud that I kept them alive one night! I was worried about taking them from such nasty water to such clean water - such a big difference so quick is not usually good on fish - so I am doing the best I can!!!
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Isaac's School Performance
Isaac's preschool had an end-of-the-year program and graduation this evening. Isaac, of course, did not graduate (he will next year), but they sang some songs. He sang some to me on the way to therapy that I am going to try to audioblog tomorrow.
He got a certificate of achievement for completeing a year of preschool and they got snacks after they sang and did a graduation ceremony. It was very cute. Here are some pictures of the program, and I will be posting a few videos of them singing (I think you will be able to see these videos).
Isaac waiting his turn to go on "stage"
Waiting to start singing
Getting his certificate and leaving "stage"
He got a certificate of achievement for completeing a year of preschool and they got snacks after they sang and did a graduation ceremony. It was very cute. Here are some pictures of the program, and I will be posting a few videos of them singing (I think you will be able to see these videos).
Isaac waiting his turn to go on "stage"
Waiting to start singing
Getting his certificate and leaving "stage"
Newest Member of Our Zoo
Caleb loves going to the Boys and Girls Club! I, however, have never seen anyone as dirty as that child manages to be everyday when he comes home. I swear he must spend the day running as hard as he can so he gets good and sweaty and then the rest of the day rolling in the dirt because he comes home brown everyday. His clothes have dirt coming off of them and it looks like a sandbox when he takes his shoes off!
Everyday he comes home with some kind of creature. We have had ants, beetles, caterpillars, etc. Today however, was something I would not ever expect!! I went in to get him and as I walked up the sidewalk one of the staff members started talking about how much Caleb loves looking for bugs - all day!!! I talked to the guy for a few minutes about it, and then went to get Caleb. Caleb came out carrying a water bottle - but it was not water in it!!!
Apparantly, Caleb bought a bottle of water - POURED THE WATER OUT!!! - and collected TADPOLES! I asked why he poured out the water instead of drinking it and he said he needed it to save the tadpoles! He found tadpoles in a puddle and wanted to save them before the puddle dried up.
I don't know ANYTHING about raising tadpoles. I left them in the bottle, trying to avoid doing anything with it. I finally decided to look up online how to try to take care of them! We happened to have a little critter holder, that we had hermit crabs in a long time ago! I fixed the box up as best I could with what we already had at home. I found a net and poured the nasty water into a bowl and got the two tadpoles and placed them in the water. We will see how things turn out - one is really swimming around and checking things out, the other is pretty much just staying low and still.
I tried to take a picture, but they are really small so they are kind of hard to see, but it is where the red circles are! I will try to keep you all posted on what happens with them - and I am sure if they are still swimming tomorrow - Caleb will have names for them!!
Everyday he comes home with some kind of creature. We have had ants, beetles, caterpillars, etc. Today however, was something I would not ever expect!! I went in to get him and as I walked up the sidewalk one of the staff members started talking about how much Caleb loves looking for bugs - all day!!! I talked to the guy for a few minutes about it, and then went to get Caleb. Caleb came out carrying a water bottle - but it was not water in it!!!
Apparantly, Caleb bought a bottle of water - POURED THE WATER OUT!!! - and collected TADPOLES! I asked why he poured out the water instead of drinking it and he said he needed it to save the tadpoles! He found tadpoles in a puddle and wanted to save them before the puddle dried up.
I don't know ANYTHING about raising tadpoles. I left them in the bottle, trying to avoid doing anything with it. I finally decided to look up online how to try to take care of them! We happened to have a little critter holder, that we had hermit crabs in a long time ago! I fixed the box up as best I could with what we already had at home. I found a net and poured the nasty water into a bowl and got the two tadpoles and placed them in the water. We will see how things turn out - one is really swimming around and checking things out, the other is pretty much just staying low and still.
I tried to take a picture, but they are really small so they are kind of hard to see, but it is where the red circles are! I will try to keep you all posted on what happens with them - and I am sure if they are still swimming tomorrow - Caleb will have names for them!!
Hungry Bear Bear
I was laying in Bryce's bed with him a few minutes ago, playing and talking. He asked if he could have Bear Bear (his favorite teddy bear). I said yes and handed him to Bryce. Bryce looked at him for a minute (like he was listening for something). He turns Bear to me and said "Bear hungry."
"Oh, really? What does he need?"
"He said he wanted some cake."
"OH?"
"He wants me to feed it to him!"
For some reason I don't think Bear would get any of the cake!!! Good try Bryce!
"Oh, really? What does he need?"
"He said he wanted some cake."
"OH?"
"He wants me to feed it to him!"
For some reason I don't think Bear would get any of the cake!!! Good try Bryce!
Jonathan
Thanks Aunt Heather for the pictures this morning!!! I had to put pictures of him on here because he is the only one not in the picture of the gang! Actually I don't think there are any pics of him on here yet. LOVE THE HAIR!!
June 2006
June 2006
June 2006
June 2006
April 2006
January 2006
July 2005
June 2006
June 2006
June 2006
June 2006
April 2006
January 2006
July 2005
Christmas 2003
top row: Bryce, Isaac, Alyssa and Ronald
bottom row: Caleb, Keyan, Scott and Corran
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Ronald, Uncle Ronny and Caleb
Isaac
Isaac and Alyssa
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Princess Lyssa
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Lyssa and Bryce's foot
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Isaac and Lyssa
Christmas 2001 Pictures
These were taken at my Aunt and Uncle's farm! The kids had so much fun!!
Papa showing Caleb how to drive the car
Papa, Isaac and Scott
What is this???
Isaac (8 days old)
Corran, Scott, Keyan, Dalton and Caleb
Corran
Corran
Corran and Caleb
Uncle Robby (driving), Papa, Shaw, Dalton, Keyan, Corran and Caleb
Dalton, Shaw, Scott, Keyan, Corran and Caleb
Corran, Caleb and Scott
Uncle Marty, Scott, Keyan, Dalton and Corran (Shaw with his back turned to the camera)
Papa showing Caleb how to drive the car
Papa, Isaac and Scott
What is this???
Isaac (8 days old)
Corran, Scott, Keyan, Dalton and Caleb
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Corran
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Corran
Corran and Caleb
Uncle Robby (driving), Papa, Shaw, Dalton, Keyan, Corran and Caleb
Dalton, Shaw, Scott, Keyan, Corran and Caleb
Corran, Caleb and Scott
Uncle Marty, Scott, Keyan, Dalton and Corran (Shaw with his back turned to the camera)
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
BAD CHIMPANZEES
I took Bryce to the zoo yesterday for a short visit before we went to have lunch with Daddy. As we were fixing to leave, we went by the are where all of apes, gorillas and chimpanzees were. At our zoo, they are in an open area and you look down on them. I was holding Bryce so he could see over the wall and down to where the chimps were.
We were walking along and casually looking when one of the chimps came running up below us and starting at us. Bryce pointed to him and told me to look so I stopped and turned to see him. The chimp was below us making faces and dancing at Bryce.
We were the only ones over at that side at the time. Everytime we would start walking the chimp would make noises and follow us, dancing and making faces. Bryce was loving it so we stopped and Bryce started making faces back and dancing - and LAUGHING like I have never heard him laugh. When the chimp saw we had stopped he turned around and started walking up the hill to where their shaded platform was (they sleep and play on this platform thing). Every couple of steps he would turn around and make a face and dance, like he was trying to make sure we did not leave.
There were about 3 other chimps on the platform. He goes up to one and pushes it off the platform. I began to question what was about to happen at this point and was trying to decide if we should start walking, but Bryce was having so much fun, so we stayed to see what was going to happen. Usually when we are there, none of the chimps, etc even seem to notice anyone, so to have one interacting with Bryce was kinda neat.
So, he pushes this chimp off the platform and starts making it walk down the hill. This chimp did not seem to want to play along, but the original chimp made it. He takes the second chimp right in front of Bryce and starts...well... lets just say that the male chimp was doing something to the female chimp (I am hoping) that the female chimp was not too interested in doing and my 3 YEAR OLD did NOT need to see. He was obviously very proud!! He came right in front of us to do it.
As the chimps were walking in front of us, another mother came up and told her kids how neat it was that the chimps were looking up at us. Then she realized what was really going on, she said "never mind," with big eyes and walked off. I told Bryce it was time to go, and he replys "but Mommy they are playing!!" I just agreed and said it was time to go. As we were walking off I turned and looked and as soon as we leave he quits!!
Maybe the chimp knows that if he does this in front of kids, the parents will take them away and then noone is staring at him!! It was quite a trip!!!
We were walking along and casually looking when one of the chimps came running up below us and starting at us. Bryce pointed to him and told me to look so I stopped and turned to see him. The chimp was below us making faces and dancing at Bryce.
We were the only ones over at that side at the time. Everytime we would start walking the chimp would make noises and follow us, dancing and making faces. Bryce was loving it so we stopped and Bryce started making faces back and dancing - and LAUGHING like I have never heard him laugh. When the chimp saw we had stopped he turned around and started walking up the hill to where their shaded platform was (they sleep and play on this platform thing). Every couple of steps he would turn around and make a face and dance, like he was trying to make sure we did not leave.
There were about 3 other chimps on the platform. He goes up to one and pushes it off the platform. I began to question what was about to happen at this point and was trying to decide if we should start walking, but Bryce was having so much fun, so we stayed to see what was going to happen. Usually when we are there, none of the chimps, etc even seem to notice anyone, so to have one interacting with Bryce was kinda neat.
So, he pushes this chimp off the platform and starts making it walk down the hill. This chimp did not seem to want to play along, but the original chimp made it. He takes the second chimp right in front of Bryce and starts...well... lets just say that the male chimp was doing something to the female chimp (I am hoping) that the female chimp was not too interested in doing and my 3 YEAR OLD did NOT need to see. He was obviously very proud!! He came right in front of us to do it.
As the chimps were walking in front of us, another mother came up and told her kids how neat it was that the chimps were looking up at us. Then she realized what was really going on, she said "never mind," with big eyes and walked off. I told Bryce it was time to go, and he replys "but Mommy they are playing!!" I just agreed and said it was time to go. As we were walking off I turned and looked and as soon as we leave he quits!!
Maybe the chimp knows that if he does this in front of kids, the parents will take them away and then noone is staring at him!! It was quite a trip!!!
Baby Pictures!
Well, I have been going through pictures here lately. I was looking through pictures to get some out to frame, and it just started something!! Of course, we have a ton of printed photos of Caleb and few of Isaac and Bryce. I got a digital camera for Christmas when Isaac was born, so most of the pictures past that are on the computer!
I found so many pictures I had completely forgotten about. There are some really cute ones of Caleb on PePa's farm. Unfortunately, my scanner has quit working, so when I go get a new one, or make over to someones house to borrow one, I will post some old pics that I love!! It seems like so long ago that some of these pictures were taken, yet at the same time seems like it was just yesterday! Wow, the kids sure grow fast - MY BABY IS 3 NOW!!!!
It is amazing! I love being a mother! Even though there are times when I could really use a break, and sure they drive me crazy sometimes, but all and all I love it!! I could not imagine not having kids in my life and really feel so blessed (even if there is not a girl in the picture!!).
I found so many pictures I had completely forgotten about. There are some really cute ones of Caleb on PePa's farm. Unfortunately, my scanner has quit working, so when I go get a new one, or make over to someones house to borrow one, I will post some old pics that I love!! It seems like so long ago that some of these pictures were taken, yet at the same time seems like it was just yesterday! Wow, the kids sure grow fast - MY BABY IS 3 NOW!!!!
It is amazing! I love being a mother! Even though there are times when I could really use a break, and sure they drive me crazy sometimes, but all and all I love it!! I could not imagine not having kids in my life and really feel so blessed (even if there is not a girl in the picture!!).
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY BRYCE!!
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Happy birthday BryBry!! I have so enjoyed watching you grow and change ! You definently keep us on our toes and busy (along with your brothers)!!! I love watching you play and entertain.
It has been fun to see you SOOO into something! I have never seen a little boy get into anything the way you have gotten into firetrucks the last year and a half. Many people comment that they hope that you will grow up to be a fireman, but I have to be honest with you - I would be okay if you didn't! It is a very honorable job, but I am your Mommy and I don't want to see you in danger. What ever you decide to do with your life, your Daddy and I will always be there to support you.
We love you very much! Have a great birthday with all of your new toys!!
Happy Fathers Day
Daddy and Caleb at fair
Daddy and Bryce Christmas 2004
Daddy and Bryce 2005
Daddy and Bryce June 20, 2003
Isaac watching Daddy eat
2002
Isaac and Daddy
Isaac and Daddy
Caleb, Isaac and Daddy
Caleb and Daddy and the "big catch"
Daddy and Caleb Easter 2000
Yes, it is late! Better late than never though! For Father's Day, my great husband took ME shopping, and he did not complain one time!! It was so nice! When we got home from the mall, we put the kids down for a nap - which they all needed after our LONG weekend. We spent the next several hours sleeping on the couch. It was so nice to have a lazy day (or couple of hours anyway!!).
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